Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), has urged Gov. Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers to treat his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike with some respect.
Woke, an ally of Wike, the federal capital territory minister, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He described Fubara’s recent public remarks about the former governor as disrespectful, unfortunate and unhealthy.
Woke said that while inaugurating a project in Ahoada recently, Fubara had described projects implemented by his predecessor as meaningless and not impactful.
He further said that the governor also cancelled projects which were awarded by the former governor over mere political reasons.
According to reports, Fubara had during the event stated that his administration would not celebrate projects that did not make meaning.
Woke stated that it was unfair for the governor to denigrate those who paved the way for him to emerge as governor.
“To publicly denigrate those who stood by you, is not just a show of betrayal, it reveals a troubling pattern of vindictiveness,” he said.
The NOSDRA helmsman further stated that it was wrong for the governor to cancel contracts awarded by his predecessor not minding the competences of the contractors.
“To cancel projects based on political differences rather than incompetence or lack of performance purely smacks of executive impunity,” he said.
Woke also said that it was unfair to describe a road constructed by the former administration as a ‘mere farm road’
“How can you belittle such an essential infrastructure that connects farmers to markets,” he said.
He said that the former governor served the state with every sense of purpose and commitment.
“Not to acknowledge the efforts of the former governor is to completely neglect the the foundations laid before your emergence as governor.
“Instead of sidelining past allies, the governor should aspire to unite the state by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
When contacted for reaction, the governor’s media aides did not take their calls or respond to messages.
